Ford Escape Hybrid (2012 year). Manual — part 56

WARNING: Loaded vehicles, with a higher center of gravity,
may handle differently than unloaded vehicles. Do not overload

your vehicle and use extra precautions, such as driving at slower
speeds, avoiding abrupt steering changes and allowing for increased
stopping distance, when driving a heavily loaded vehicle. Over-loading
or loading the vehicle improperly can deteriorate handling capability
and contribute to loss of vehicle control and vehicle rollover.

BRAKE-SHIFT INTERLOCK

This vehicle is equipped with a brake-shift interlock feature that prevents
the gearshift lever from being moved from P (Park) when the ignition is
in the on position unless brake pedal is pressed.

If you cannot move the gearshift lever out of P (Park) with ignition in
the on position and the brake pedal pressed, it is possible that a fuse has
blown or the vehicle’s brake lamps are not operating properly. Refer to
Fuses and relays in the Roadside Emergencies chapter.

If the fuse is not blown, perform the following procedure:

1. Apply the parking brake.

2. Using a screwdriver or similar
tool, carefully pry out the small
Brake Transmission Shift Interlock
(BTSI) cover cap located to the
right of the gearshift lever.

3. Press the brake pedal and then
start the vehicle.

4. Insert a screwdriver or similar
tool straight down into the access
hole and press downward while
pulling the gearshift lever out of the
P (Park) position and into the N
(Neutral) position.

5. Remove tool and reinstall BTSI cover cap.

6. Release the parking brake and drive normally.

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WARNING: Do not drive your vehicle until you verify that the
brake lamps are working.

WARNING: When doing this procedure, you will be taking the
vehicle out of park which means the vehicle can roll freely. To

avoid unwanted vehicle movement, always fully set the parking brake
prior to doing this procedure. Use wheel chocks if appropriate.

WARNING: If the parking brake is fully released, but the brake
warning lamp remains illuminated, the brakes may not be

working properly. See your authorized dealer as soon as possible.

AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION OPERATION

Understanding the gearshift positions of the
electronically-controlled Continuously Variable Transmission
(eCVT)

P (Park)

This position locks the transmission
and prevents the front wheels from
turning.

To put your vehicle in gear:

1. Start the engine

2. Release the parking brake

3. Press the brake pedal

4. Move the gearshift lever into the
desired gear

To put your vehicle in P (Park):

1. Come to a complete stop

2. Move the gearshift lever and
securely latch it in P (Park)

WARNING: Always set the parking brake fully and make sure
the gearshift is latched in P (Park). Turn the ignition to the off

position and remove the key whenever you leave your vehicle.

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R (Reverse)

With the gearshift lever in R (Reverse), the vehicle will move backward.
Always come to a complete stop before shifting into and out of R
(Reverse).

N (Neutral)

With the gearshift lever in N (Neutral), the vehicle is free to roll; hold
the brake pedal down while in this position. Because of the unique
nature of the hybrid vehicle, the engine will not start in the N (Neutral)
position.

The vehicle does not charge the high voltage battery in the N (Neutral)
position. Do not idle the vehicle in N (Neutral) for extended periods as
this will discharge your high voltage battery.

D (Drive)

The normal driving position for the best fuel economy.

L (Low)
• Provides maximum engine braking.
• The transmission may be shifted into L (Low) at any vehicle speed.

WARNING: When parking, do not use the gearshift in place of
the parking brake. Always set the parking brake fully and make

sure that the gearshift is securely latched in P (Park). Turn off the
ignition whenever you leave your vehicle. Never leave your vehicle
unattended while it is running. If you do not take these precautions,
your vehicle may move unexpectedly and injure someone.

If your vehicle gets stuck in mud or snow

If your vehicle gets stuck in mud or snow, it may be rocked out by
shifting between forward and reverse gears, stopping between shifts in a
steady pattern. Press lightly on the accelerator in each gear.

Note: Do not rock the vehicle if the engine is not at normal operating
temperature or damage to the transmission may occur.

Note: Do not rock the vehicle for more than a minute or damage to the
transmission and tires may occur, or the engine may overheat.

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REVERSE SENSING SYSTEM (IF EQUIPPED)

The reverse sensing system (RSS) sounds a tone to warn the driver of
obstacles near the rear bumper when R (Reverse) is selected and the
vehicle is moving at speeds less than 3 mph (5 km/h). The system is not
effective at speeds above 3 mph (5 km/h) and may not detect certain
angular or moving objects.

WARNING: To help avoid personal injury, please read and
understand the limitations of the reverse sensing system as

contained in this section. Reverse sensing is only an aid for some
(generally large and fixed) objects when moving in reverse on a flat
surface at “parking speeds”. Inclement weather may also affect the
function of the RSS; this may include reduced performance or a false
activation.

WARNING: To help avoid personal injury, always use caution
when in reverse and when using the RSS.

WARNING: This system is not designed to prevent contact with
small or moving objects. The system is designed to provide a

warning to assist the driver in detecting large stationary objects to
avoid damaging the vehicle. The system may not detect smaller
objects, particularly those close to the ground.

WARNING: Certain add-on devices such as large trailer hitches,
bike or surfboard racks and any device that may block the

normal detection zone of the RSS system may create false beeps.

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